Rick Derringer, the musician forever tied to pro wrestlings golden era through Hulk Hogans iconic entrance theme, has passed away at the age of 77.
Wrestling fans around the world remember Derringer as the man behind Real American, the theme that defined Hulkamania during Hogans prime years in the WWF. Derringer co-wrote the track, which debuted on The Wrestling Album in 1985 and went on to become one of the most recognizable songs in wrestling history.
But Derringers ties to wrestling didnt stop there. He also co-wrote Demolitions entrance theme and served as a producer on both The Wrestling Album and Piledriver: The Wrestling Album II. His music helped shape the soundtrack of 80s wrestling for an entire generation.
Outside the squared circle, Derringer had a respected music career. He released more than a dozen studio albums as a solo artist, with his 1973 debut All American Boy reaching number 25 on the U.S. charts. He also worked with legendary artists like Steely Dan, Ringo Starr, and Cyndi Lauper. Fans of comedy music may not realize Derringer produced Fat and Eat It for Weird Al Yankovictwo of Als most beloved parodies.
Rick Derringers influence spanned genres and decades, but for wrestling fans, hell always be the voice behind the red and yellow.
